KUALA LUMPUR: Local companies are allowed to access artificial intelligence (AI) chips from both the United States and China to maintain a neutral and inclusive stance, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said companies operating in Malaysia were free to choose between American-made chips such as Nvidia or China‘s Huawei Ascend series, depending on their needs.
“We want to strengthen access to these chips because we are an open economy. We want companies from all countries to come, and our firms must have access to both,” he said.
He said this in response to R. Yuneswaran (PH–Segamat), who had asked about the ministry’s strategy to ensure Malaysian companies could access AI chips developed by major global powers without being constrained by geopolitical tensions or supply chain disruptions.
Tengku Zafrul said that while Malaysia does not yet possess the capability to produce high-end AI chips, the country is working to move further up the semiconductor value chain through the National Semiconductor Strategy, with a stronger focus on IC design and advanced packaging.
“Several companies have already begun collaborating with local universities, and the government has introduced incentives for firms that provide high-quality training to Malaysian engineers.
“We have engineers, but we lack specialists. This is a challenge not only for Malaysia but for the whole world because of the rising demand for AI technology.”
He added that the government is reviewing whether foreign graduates from Malaysian institutions should be permitted to stay on and work here.
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